SPORTING Club Inkberrow slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Heather St. Johns on their historic FA Vase debut.
Second-half goals from Jacob Carter and Kyle Jardine at St John’s Park saw Inkberrow exit the competition at the Second Round Qualifying stage.
Heather St. John’s play one level below Sporting at Step Six in Midland Football League Division One.
A superb last-ditch tackle from Robert Guy denied home striker Jardine an early chance on goal as the hosts had the better of the opening exchanges.
A thunderstorm enveloped the ground during the second half as both teams tried to remain focused on the pitch.
However, Heather St. John’s broke the deadlock on 69 minutes when Inkberrow failed to properly clear a long throw and Carter finished from 18-yards out.
The visitors spurned a glorious chance to draw level as Will Skelton saw his header well-saved by the Heather goalkeeper from a pinpoint cross.
Heather sealed their place in the next round on 78 minutes when Jardine ran clear of the Inkberrow defence and applied the finish following confusion at the back.
Sporting Club Inkberrow are next in action away at Westfields on Tuesday, September 24 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Allpay Park.
